Sky Bet For The Fans Handicap
Course: Thirsk
Date: 16th May 2026
Distance: 5f (5f)
Type: Flat
Going: Good
Class: Class 4
Prize: £5,234
Runners: 17
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Pixie Diva
4yo b Filly (GB)Connections
Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
Trainer: George Scott
Newmarket, Suffolk
Owner: Clive and Laura Washbourn
Breeding
Sire: Mohaather (GB)
Dam: Belvoir Diva (GB)
Damsire: Exceed And Excel (AUS)
Breeder: Bickmarsh Stud
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Only eighth of 17 when favourite at Ascot two weeks ago, although far from disgraced; still relatively lightly raced and just 1lb higher than for 5f Newcastle win in March; not ruled out.
Comment
Lightly raced; just 1lb higher than for Newcastle win in March; not ruled out
Previous Owners
- Clive Washbourn (until 2025-06-12)
Race History for Pixie Diva
Equity Law
5yo b Gelding (GB)Connections
Jockey: David Allan
Trainer: Tim Easterby
Great Habton, N Yorks
Owner: The Oyster Catchers & Partner
Breeding
Sire: Equiano (FR)
Dam: Fair Cop (GB)
Damsire: Exceed And Excel (AUS)
Breeder: Littleton Stud
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Back to his last winning mark and arrives after a close third of ten over C&D two weeks ago; runner-up in a division of this race last year; in the mix once more.
Comment
Back to last winning mark and arrives after close third over C&D; in the mix once more
Quotes
"Equity Law was down in grade but he jumped [off] the best of them all. I can't fault him. He had horses running all over him from all over the place in the final furlong, but quickened nicely, so full credit to him - Sean Kirrane, jockey."
2025-09-09 - Catterick"Equity Law was quick out of the stalls from his wide draw which was helpful and it was an easy race to ride on paper. He's obviously improved for his comeback run on soft ground at Bath - Oisin Murphy, jockey."
2024-04-26 - SandownPrevious Trainers
- Andrew Balding (until 2025-04-10)
Previous Owners
- J C Smith (until 2025-04-10)
Race History for Equity Law
Right And Exact
4yo b Gelding (GB)Connections
Jockey: Daniel Tudhope
Trainer: Declan Carroll
Malton, N Yorks
Owner: J N Blackburn
Breeding
Sire: Oasis Dream (GB)
Dam: Excellent Sounds (GB)
Damsire: Exceed And Excel (AUS)
Breeder: Meon Valley Stud
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Unexposed after just four runs; consistent form in 5f novices last term and made an encouraging reappearance/handicap debut at Musselburgh (5f, good to soft) five weeks ago, fading having had the worst of the draw; remains open to improvement and high on the list.
Comment
Unexposed after four runs; shaped well on handicap debut at Musselburgh; high on the list
Race History for Right And Exact
Al Hussar
4yo br Gelding (GB)Connections
Jockey: Oliver Stammers
Trainer: Grant Tuer
Birkby, N Yorks
Owner: The Gathering And Partner
Breeding
Sire: Bated Breath (GB)
Dam: Queen's Charter (GB)
Damsire: Oasis Dream (GB)
Breeder: Biddestone Stud Ltd
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Placed on both his runs over C&D and he looks to be coming to the boil, beaten less than 1l when third at Musselburgh 17 days ago; blinkers are back on for the first time this season; might be the answer.
Comment
Looks to be coming to the boil, close third at Musselburgh last time; might be the answer
Stable Tour
"He's had a fairly frustrating summer as he's talented, but he started the year high enough in the handicap. He's quick - he wants the fastest five you can get - and he's starting to look well handicapped again. He's just been held up by some ringworm but he's started back breezing and is on the way back now. He goes on the all-weather as well. 04-09-25"
Race History for Al Hussar
Curious Rover
5yo b Gelding (IRE)Connections
Jockey: Jason Hart
Trainer: Katie Scott
Galashiels, Scottish Borders
Owner: Ursa Major Racing Ltd And Partner
Breeding
Sire: The Irish Rover (IRE)
Dam: Only Live Once (GB)
Damsire: Charm Spirit (IRE)
Breeder: Aidan Sexton
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Second to Castan in a division of this race in 2025; led for a long way when fourth of eight at Musselburgh 17 days ago; 6lb below his last winning mark; has plenty in his favour.
Comment
Second here in 2025; 6lb below his last winning mark; has plenty in his favour
Stable Tour
"He ran a blinder at York last Friday when he was third, only beaten half a length. He's probably too honest a horse - the handicapper seems to have a hold of him as he never runs a bad race. He's absolutely fantastic and has given us so many good days out at York, Haydock, Epsom, but the main aim now is to get his head back in front - although he doesn't really give himself a chance with the handicapper which doesn't make it easy. There are a couple of races coming up for him at Musselburgh so we'll probably target those. 17-07-25"
Quotes
"William (Pyle) said Curious River took him there and did it easily. He's won a couple of races now and seems to be getting quicker - Katie Scott, trainer."
2023-09-29 - Haydock"Curious Rover is a nice horse. He didn't show as much speed as that when we first got him so we started him off over a bit further but he's probably a right sprinter. He's learned his job nicely and progressed each time so it's perfect. We'll probably look for something under a penalty now, he's going to get a stiff enough mark - Katie Scott, trainer."
2023-08-30 - CatterickPrevious Owners
- Miss K Scott (until 2023-08-24)
Race History for Curious Rover
Call To Action
5yo ch Gelding (IRE)Connections
Jockey: Joanna Mason
Trainer: Michael & David Easterby
Sheriff Hutton, N Yorks
Owner: D Scott, Resdev, Capla Dev & L Westwood
Breeding
Sire: Soldier's Call (GB)
Dam: La Vale (USA)
Damsire: Freedom Child (USA)
Breeder: Ballyhane
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Lightly raced 5yo; ended 2025 with a win and he showed himself better than ever when a close second of eight at Pontefract (5f, good) on reappearance; still of interest despite a 2lb rise in the weights.
Comment
Lightly raced 5yo; fine second at Pontefract on return; still of interest despite 2lb rise
Previous Trainers
- Kevin Ryan (until 2024-05-06)
Previous Owners
- M W Easterby (until 2024-05-08)
- Bronte Collection 1 (until 2024-05-06)
Race History for Call To Action
Castan
6yo ch Gelding (GB)Connections
Jockey: Paul Mulrennan
Trainer: Bryan Smart
Sutton Bank, N Yorks
Owner: Ceffyl Racing
Breeding
Sire: Charming Thought (GB)
Dam: Astley Park (GB)
Damsire: Dutch Art (GB)
Breeder: Houghton Bloodstock Uk Ltd
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
25-1 winner of a division of this race 12 months ago; arrives in form following a success at Southwell and a creditable fourth of eight at Ripon; should be in the thick of things again.
Comment
Won a division of this race 12 months ago and arrives in form in bid for a repeat
Quotes
"I couldn't believe his price. Castan kept going out and I thought I must have got something wrong. He's tough and he loves his racing - Bryan Smart, trainer."
2025-05-17 - Thirsk"Castan has always had loads of speed, but as a two-year-old he was the biggest hooligan I've had in my life! He just took a long time to get mentally right after a break. As soon as you touch the blindfold he comes out of the stalls like a greyhound. They all came at him and he fought back. Hopefully he can give us a big payout someday - Bryan Smart, trainer, speaking to Sky Sports Racing."
2025-02-27 - Newcastle (AW)"Castan did it nicely and Kevin never hit him. He said all day long that Castan would win these types of races and I'm delighted for the owners - Bryan Smart, trainer."
2022-09-28 - CatterickRace History for Castan
Muker
8yo ch Gelding (IRE)Connections
Jockey: Alex Jary(3)
Trainer: Nigel Tinkler
Langton, N Yorks
Owner: Peter Blyth & Partner
Breeding
Sire: Mehmas (IRE)
Dam: Naias (IRE)
Damsire: Namid (GB)
Breeder: Joe & June Staunton
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Eight-time winner, including twice over C&D; shaped as if retaining ability when eighth of ten at Nottingham (40-1) on return but may need another run to put him spot-on.
Comment
Probably needed reappearance at 40-1 and may require another run to put him spot-on
Stable Tour
"He ran at Southwell last week and got quite hot before the race, anticipated the start and got left. He's not going to go on the all-weather now and will instead have a break and come back next year. He's an unpredictable horse who has lots of ability. He's very quick and must have fast ground. 01-10-25"
Quotes
"Muker really tries for you and everything was perfect. I can't take too much credit as he's a great horse and Nigel has done a great job with him. He's so genuine, tries so hard and when I saw the pace they were going, I thought "happy days" - Faye McManoman, jockey, speaking to Sky Sports Racing."
2025-07-04 - Doncaster"Muker's form has worked out well and he'll go for the Molecomb in three weeks. He's all speed - but for a horse with so much speed he has a great mind. - Paul Mulrennan, rider"
2020-07-09 - York"Muker was supposed to go to Doncaster, he was ready to go the first day and Phil's done a good job to keep him ticking along nicely until now. He's been really good at home, we've done plenty with him and we make sure they know their job, which he did today. He's been really professional and he couldn't have done it nicer. The owner will be absolutely thrilled to go to Ascot, if he won or ran well today that was the plan. - Sammy Jo Bell, partner of winning trainer Philip Makin"
2020-06-02 - Newcastle (AW)Previous Trainers
- Paul Midgley (until 2023-04-17)
- Phillip Makin (until 2022-08-06)
Previous Owners
- SYPS (UK) Ltd (until 2024-04-22)
Race History for Muker
Emerald Harmony
5yo b Mare (IRE)Connections
Jockey: Barry McHugh
Trainer: Paul Midgley
Westow, N Yorks
Owner: Wrenegade Racing
Breeding
Sire: Soldier's Call (GB)
Dam: Green Chorus (IRE)
Damsire: Oratorio (IRE)
Breeder: B Kennedy & Mrs Ann Marie Kennedy
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Twice a 5f winner in Ireland for Johnny Murtagh, and she has made a solid start for her new yard, close third of seven at Beverley on latest outing; bubbling under and one of the likelier candidates.
Comment
Has made solid start for new yard; one of the likelier candidates
Quotes
"Emerald Harmony is improving and learning to sprint. The ground was probably as quick as she wanted it but she is going the right way - Ben Coen, rider"
2024-08-09 - TipperaryPrevious Trainers
- J P Murtagh (until 2026-03-13)
Previous Owners
- JP Murtagh Racing (until 2026-03-13)
Race History for Emerald Harmony
Brazilian Belle
4yo b Filly (IRE)Connections
Jockey: Connor Beasley
Trainer: Michael Dods
Piercebridge, Co Durham
Owner: Dods Racing Club
Breeding
Sire: Coulsty (IRE)
Dam: Brazilian Breeze (IRE)
Damsire: Invincible Spirit (IRE)
Breeder: P Burns
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
In good form on the AW early this year, winning over 5f at Southwell and Wolverhampton, but she was well held behind Castan back at Southwell last time and could be vulnerable off her current mark.
Comment
Well held behind Castan at Southwell last time and could be vulnerable off current mark
Stable Tour
"She's won at Catterick in May and is ready to run again. She ran in the Hilary Needler at Beverley last time but she was a bit keen, so she'll come back to a flat 5f. She's owned by the Dods Racing Club - we have put four or five horses in the club and people get a lot of fun out of it. 28-08-24"
Race History for Brazilian Belle
Changeofmind
6yo ch Gelding (IRE)Connections
Jockey: Zak Wheatley(3)
Trainer: Declan Carroll
Malton, N Yorks
Owner: Ursa Major Racing & Riverside Racing
Breeding
Sire: Sioux Nation (USA)
Dam: Dusty (GB)
Damsire: Paco Boy (IRE)
Breeder: Camogue Stud Ltd
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
0-16 since winning his first two races and beat just one home in a division of this race 12 months ago; now 8lb lower but he carries risks after seven months off.
Comment
0-16 since winning first two races; down in weights but carries risks after a layoff
Quotes
"Changeofmind is very exciting and one we rate a lot at home. He has lots of ability and natural talent. He'll go for the Westow Stakes next month at the Dante meeting. We'll take it one step at a time and keep our feet on the ground - Declan Carroll, trainer."
2023-04-26 - CatterickPrevious Owners
- B Cooney (until 2026-04-23)
Race History for Changeofmind
Tiriac
6yo b Gelding (GB)Connections
Jockey: David Nolan
Trainer: Paul Midgley
Westow, N Yorks
Owner: Buist, Shields, Thompson & Partner
Breeding
Sire: Sixties Icon (GB)
Dam: Rough Courte (IRE)
Damsire: Clodovil (IRE)
Breeder: Mike Channon Bloodstock Limited
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Slowly away and never a threat both starts this year; dropped only 1lb and others make more appeal; one of three runners for Paul Midgley.
Comment
Slowly away and never a threat this year; one of three runners for Paul Midgley
Quotes
"Tiriac ran very well at Newmarket the other day, it was a good horse who beat him there. He's a full-brother to Nastase who won the Rockingham Stakes - Mick Channon, trainer"
2022-11-05 - DoncasterMedical History
Wind Surgery (2023-06-14)Previous Trainers
- Jack Channon (until 2025-03-24)
- Mick Channon (until 2023-04-05)
Previous Owners
- J Widdows & Partner (until 2025-03-24)
- M Channon (until 2023-04-05)
Race History for Tiriac
Tees Aggregates
4yo b Gelding (IRE)Connections
Jockey: Jack Nicholls(5)
Trainer: Adrian Nicholls
Sessay, N Yorks
Owner: Ingleby Bloodstock Ltd & The Ivy League
Breeding
Sire: Earthlight (IRE)
Dam: Club Prive (IRE)
Damsire: Acclamation (GB)
Breeder: Deer Forest Stud
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Doesn't always look the easiest of rides and he reared at the start and was slowly away prior to finishing fourth of six at Bath last Thursday; failed to beat a rival the time before; others look safer.
Comment
Reared at start and slowly away when fourth at Bath last Thursday; others look safer
Stable Tour
"I got him from the breeze-ups and he's run two good races. He ran a cracker at Doncaster on his debut as he got broadsided but still finished off his race. He then went to Wetherby and again travelled really strongly. He looked like he was going to win before finishing a little tired in third. If he doesn't win his maiden, he should definitely be winning nurseries. 26-07-24"
Quotes
"Tees Aggregates was too keen and ran himself into the ground last time but today took a lead, he had a nice run through and found plenty - Harrison Shaw, jockey, speaking on Racing TV."
2025-05-12 - CatterickPrevious Owners
- Ingleby Bloodstock Limited (until 2024-09-29)
Race History for Tees Aggregates
Counsel
8yo ch Gelding (GB)Connections
Jockey: Harry Davies
Trainer: Michael Appleby
Oakham, Rutland
Owner: Value Racing - Counsel
Breeding
Sire: Frankel (GB)
Dam: Honorina (GB)
Damsire: Sea The Stars (IRE)
Breeder: The Honorina Partnership
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Won on AW in December (6f) and March (5f) but ran poorly at Wolverhampton four weeks ago; 0-13 on turf and others have more compelling profiles.
Comment
Ran poorly at Wolverhampton four weeks ago and is 0-13 on turf
Previous Trainers
- Ian Williams (until 2024-01-01)
- John & Thady Gosden (until 2022-10-08)
- John Gosden (until 2021-04-12)
Previous Owners
- valueracingclub.co.uk (until 2024-12-07)
- Sayed Hashish (until 2024-01-01)
- Qatar Racing Limited (until 2022-10-08)
Race History for Counsel
Glory Fighter
10yo b Gelding (GB)Connections
Jockey: Mark Winn
Trainer: Paul Midgley
Westow, N Yorks
Owner: Mad 4 Fun & Paul Williamson
Breeding
Sire: Kyllachy (GB)
Dam: Isola Verde (GB)
Damsire: Oasis Dream (GB)
Breeder: Mr & Mrs P Hopper & Mr & Mrs M Morris
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Admirable veteran who recorded his 11th win when making all at Nottingham (5f, good) last month; not disgraced at Ripon next time; should make another bold bid.
Comment
Made all at Nottingham last month and not disgraced at Ripon; should make another bold bid
Stable Tour
"He doesn't owe anyone a penny, he's paid his way ever since we got him. He's a fast 5f horse who wins when it's his turn. He likes a bit of juice and the ground was a little too quick for him at Thirsk last week - he's better when there's the word ‘soft' in the going description. 14-08-25"
Quotes
"That was a good performance from Glory Fighter. I tucked in on the rail and got a good run round. I had lots of horse left and he hit the line nicely - Callum Rodriguez, rider."
2020-08-14 - ChesterPrevious Trainers
- Iain Jardine (until 2022-04-05)
- Charles Hills (until 2020-05-29)
Previous Owners
- Robert & Sheila Bradley (until 2023-08-05)
- Kenneth Macpherson (until 2022-04-05)
- Kir (hk) Ltd & Dr Johnny Hon (until 2020-05-29)
Race History for Glory Fighter
Albegone
8yo b Gelding (GB)Connections
Jockey: Duran Fentiman
Trainer: Tim Easterby
Great Habton, N Yorks
Owner: D B & Mrs C Lamplough & Partner
Breeding
Sire: Alhebayeb (IRE)
Dam: Pacngo (GB)
Damsire: Paco Boy (IRE)
Breeder: Habton Farms & Mr D Lamplough
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Close fourth in a division of this contest last year but up and down since and his last two runs have been poor; dangerously well handicapped but opposable on balance.
Comment
Last two runs have been poor; dangerously well handicapped but opposable on balance
Race History for Albegone
South Parade
5yo b Mare (IRE)Connections
Jockey: Warren Fentiman(3)
Trainer: Richard & Peter Fahey
Musley Bank, N Yorks
Owner: Richard Fahey Ebor Racing Club Ltd
Breeding
Sire: Invincible Army (IRE)
Dam: Rural Celebration (GB)
Damsire: Pastoral Pursuits (GB)
Breeder: Grangemore Stud
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
On a dangerous mark but she doesn't look in much form, last of 17 at Musselburgh on latest outing; needs to rediscover her spark.
Comment
On a dangerous mark but doesn't look in much form; needs to rediscover her spark
Previous Trainers
- Richard Fahey (until 2026-04-06)
Previous Owners
- Mrs H Steel (until 2024-05-21)
Race History for South Parade
Non Runners:
Law Of Average
